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What Makes Tears?

Published in Eye Anatomy 1 min read

Tears are produced by a combination of water, salt, mucus, and oil, each component having a specific origin.

The following outlines the components that make up tears:

  • Water and Salt: According to Silverstone, the water in tears is produced by the lacrimal glands above your eyes. This fluid is made up of salt and water, which helps keep the surface of your eyes lubricated and healthy.
  • Mucus and Oil: The mucus and oil in tears come from the meibomian glands, which are oil glands located along the edge of your eyelids where your eyelashes are.

In summary, tears consist of a watery and salty fluid from the lacrimal glands, along with mucus and oil from the meibomian glands in the eyelids, providing lubrication and maintaining eye health.